Nordic pavilion


The Nordic Pavilion houses the national representation of the Nordic countries Sweden, Norway, and Finland during the Venice Biennale arts festivals.

Organization and building

The pavilion, designed by Sverre Fehn, was built between 1958 and 1962. The open space was designed to let in light reminiscent of that of Nordic countries. Fredrik Fogh extended the building in 1987.
The cooperation between Finland, Norway and Sweden in Venice was initiated in 1962 after the completion of the Nordic Pavilion. Until 1984, the representation of each country was organized nationally. From 1986 to 2009 the pavilion was commissioned as a whole, with the curatorial responsibility alternating between the collaborating countries.
Between 2011 and 2015, Sweden, Finland, and Norway took turns curating the pavilion alone. In 2017, they began joint curation again.
For the 2022 Biennale, the pavilion is being redesignated as the Sámi pavilion in recognition of the three Indigenous artists selected for the exhibition: Pauliina Feodoroff, Máret Ánne Sara, and Anders Sunna. It is the first time the pavilion has hosted a group of only Sámi artists.

Representation by year

Art

Architecture

  • 2023 – Girjegumpi: The Sámi Architecture Library by Joar Nango and collaborators